The third round of the men’s singles at the French Open begins on Day 6. There are eight matches scheduled for Friday, and our writers share their thoughts on all of them for you. We split the matches between this and a separate article. Predicting today’s matches are Jim Smith, Andreas Pelekis, and Jordan Reynolds.
French Open Day Predictions
Ben Shelton vs Felix Auger-Aliassime
Jim:
Ben Shelton has worked hard to develop his game on the clay, a task made easier by the solid fundamentals of a booming serve and big whippy forehand. Felix Auger-Aliassime possesses similar gifts, though his serve and groundstrokes are not quite as penetrating as Shelton’s. He does have the advantage of experience, but the American is playing with more conviction and should have the beating of his rival from the Great White North.
Prediction: Shelton in 4
Andreas:
This match should be one of the top matches of the first week. Shelton has an exciting game that has seemed to grow on the clay courts over time, while Auger-Aliassime has rebounded on tour after a tough 2023 season. Picking Shelton to win this one, with his big serve and heavy topspin working in his favor.
Prediction: Shelton in 4
Jordan:
Neither of these players would consider clay to be their favourite surface but they have both looked very strong so far. Although Shelton can be electrifying, I am backing the Canadian to win a tight match. After a lot of struggles in the last 18 months, Auger-Aliassime looks to be in a good place mentally in Paris, with his serve firing. His level may drop slightly less over the course of five sets than Shelton.
Prediction: Auger-Aliassime in 5
Andrey Rublev vs Matteo Arnaldi
Jim:
It’s been a great week for Matteo Arnaldi but his run will surely come to an end here. Andrey Rublev still probably lacks the “x-factor” to get the better of the very best in the business, but beating Arnaldi should be achievable for the sixth seed.
Prediction: Rublev in 4
Andreas:
Rublev, the Madrid Open champion, should like his chances in his quarter of the draw. He looked impressive in his second-round match, winning in straight sets with his fearless forehand. Arnaldi, while strong on clay, has never beaten a Top 20 player on clay before. Rublev also has the benefit of a day of rest, as Arnaldi’s second round match was delayed one day due to rain.
Prediction: Rublev in 4
Jordan:
This promises to be a very tough match for Rublev. Arnaldi was excellent in the first two rounds, with his big forehand firing. The Italian may push Rublev all the way, but I will back the former Grand Slam quarterfinalist to find a way through.
Prediction: Rublev in 5
Sebastian Ofner vs Corentin Moutet
Jim:
What a chance this is for both men to reach the second week at a Major, with Corentin Moutet having the added advantage of playing on home turf. As one of only a few Frenchmen still in contention after a disappointing tournament so far for the hosts, the crowd will no doubt back him to the hilt and he may well be able to use that to his advantage against a weary Ofner.
Prediction: Moutet in 4
Andreas:
Ofner sealed an impressive second-round victory against Sebastian Baez, winning in a brutal fifth setter. With fatigue likely kicking in, he may struggle against the home favorite Moutet, who is playing inspired tennis in front of his home fans. Look for Moutet to reach the second week of a Grand Slam for the first time.
Prediction: Moutet in 3
Jordan:
Ofner won an epic battle with Sebastian Baez in a deciding set tiebreak in the last round and does not get a day’s rest between matches. Although he is naturally more comfortable on clay than Moutet, recovering so quickly will be difficult. That gives Moutet the advantage in front of his home fans.
Prediction: Moutet in 4
Carlos Alcaraz vs Sebastian Korda
Jim:
Sebastian Korda has a decent record at the French Open, reaching the fourth round back in 2020. But it is hard to see him returning to the second week this year, despite a sharp start in Paris. Carlos Alcaraz looks like he will take some beating this fortnight and whilst Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic may be able to halt his charge, Korda is not of that caliber.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 3
Andreas:
Korda seems to play his best tennis on the clay, but Carlos Alcaraz has looked solid in Paris so far. Despite dropping a set to Jesper Je Jong, he seemed relatively healthy despite injury concerns. Look for Alcaraz to win this in straight sets, in front of a primetime crowd in Paris.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 3
Jordan:
Although Alcaraz won his previous match in four sets, he will need a better performance to be sure of a victory against Korda. The Spaniard was far below his best in the last round and the American would have a realistic of causing an upset if Alcaraz plays like that again. However, the chance of two performances like that in a row from the Wimbledon champion seems unlikely.
Prediction: Alcaraz in 4
Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-USA TODAY Sports
